Uruguay’s Progress Inspires Action

11.02.12 -
When lawmakers in Uruguay recently passed a law that decriminalized abortion in the early stages of a pregnancy, they did more than improve the health and well-being of the country's women. They gave hope to the women of other Latin American countries where intolerance of reproductive rights endures.
Activists in Argentina hope its officials can give teeth to recent court rulings. From Womensenews.org:

"We've fought for human rights and we've had many victories in this country," says Julia Martino, a coordinator of Argentina's National Campaign for the
Right to Legal, Safe and Free Abortion and a member of the National Socialist Party. "What's lacking in Argentina is just political will."

A court victory on its own often is not enough to ensure transformation. True change requires persistent vigilance.